Pulse weld tubing?

admin

I have a hard time getting a consistant bead when I weld tubing (too fast/slow, moving around the tubing at the right angle etc). So I was watching "How it's Made" on Discovery and they showed this guy welding motor trike tube frames by pulsing the mig gun like a series of tacks. So since I was in the garage I got some scrap peices and tried it. It sure looks alot more consistant and nicer. I held the trigger for about 1 sec then started the next tack ahead of the previous one and dragged back over the previous one about half way and did this all the way around.So my question is, is this an acceptable way to weld tubing? These things they were building are worth 50 grand each so??? Heres my results (still need to practice for a tighter "dime" look) Attached Images
Reply:You won't get the proper penetration and fusion that way.  Also that pinhole you got at the center of each weld will be the death of the weld.
Reply:Originally Posted by hywyh8rSo my question is, is this an acceptable way to weld tubing? These things they were building are worth 50 grand each so??? Heres my results (still need to practice for a tighter "dime" look)
Reply:I completely agree with TSOR and Welderboy. Trigger welding, stitch welding is not what you want on any critical parts. You would use it for building up to fill a gap, and then cover it with a final pass but on tubing, you should try to get the best fit possible in the first place. Just practice, you'll get it.
Reply:If you want it too look like tig, then get out the  tig torch. DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RIf you want it too look like tig, then get out the  tig torch. David
Reply:Ok advice well taken. I just thought that seeing it being done in a factory it would have been acceptable. From what I read here is most people weld 4 beads around a tube at 90 degree intervals? I still have problems even doing it that way. The start/stops either have a big gob or a space between. I guess it's just practice practice.
Reply:Originally Posted by hywyh8rOk advice well taken. I just thought that seeing it being done in a factory it would have been acceptable. From what I read here is most people weld 4 beads around a tube at 90 degree intervals? I still have problems even doing it that way. The start/stops either have a big gob or a space between. I guess it's just practice practice.
Reply:First off don't do it as everyone else has said.  Second you should be able to go 180 deg before having to stop on most stuff.  Don't sacrifice integrity over looks.  Practice and do it right, I'd be ****ed if I paid 50 grand for something and it had welds like that on it.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools